UWTSD hosts a Blue Light Academy Challenge Day for Year 12 students
On the 6th of June, University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) welcomed six teams of Year 12 students from different Schools and Colleges to its Swansea Waterfront Campus, where they competed against each other in a range of challenges.
The purpose of the day was to bring together students who are currently studying public services or who have a keen interest in studying Professional Policing, Criminology or Sport Management in the future.
Challenges were run by University lecturers and representatives from the South Wales Police and consisted of a range of activities such as sports games, Stop and Searches and criminology tasks.
These were followed by a Q&A session that allowed students to question the many academics present about courses and future career pathways.
Bronwen Williams, Academic Director of UWTSD’s Blue Light Academy, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome year 12 students to our Blue Light Academy Challenge day, bringing them onto campus to get a taste for university life and meet the academics and professionals from policing, criminology, and law.
“Students worked together to solve a murder mystery, got to grips with Stop and Search, and competed in sporting challenges. I’m glad we could answer their questions about courses and opportunities at UWTSD, and we are already looking forward to next year’s challenge day.”
PC Aaron Biddiscombe from South Wales Police, who is also an alumnus of UWTSD, attended the event, and said: “The array of facilities at UWTSD are contemporary and impressive, and there were several opportunities for students to engage with staff, police officers and PCSOs. I and my colleagues were made to feel welcome, and we thoroughly enjoyed the event.”
Rebecca Mugford, Public Services lecturer at Gower College said “Gower college students gained a valuable insight into the opportunities available to them at UWTSD. The day allowed our uniformed protective service students to experience course-specific activities including murder investigation, allowing them to enhance their teamwork and communication skills.”
Carolann Healy, Public Service lecturer at Coleg Sir Gar said “This event has given our students an unique opportunity to discover and experience what university is like and what they can expect from UWTSD. The activities have been engaging and well thought out and has helped them with their team working and communication skills. Our students have enjoyed their experience and are already looking forward to potentially studying here.”
Ioan Bebb, a teacher from Ysgol Gymraeg Ystalyfera said: “All of our students have thoroughly enjoyed all of the activities provided and found the information provided valuable. The presentations were clear and easy to follow, and the challenges certainly bought out the competitive spirit! Once again UWTSD have provided a first-class experience for our students.”
One of the students, Morgan Palmer from Gower College said: “The day gave me skills I can use in the future. I enjoyed taking part in all of the challenges and meeting new people. The University staff were very friendly and made me feel welcome. I would love to take part in this event again.”
The winning team, from Gower College’s Tycoch campus, were presented with a trophy by Rhiannon Lloyd, Programme Manager of Professional Policing, who was instrumental in organising the event alongside the University’s Widening Access team.
She said: “It was great to see the students from across the region come to campus and do their schools and colleges proud. We are looking forward to seeing these students again at the next open day where they can find out more about continuing their journey with UWTSD.”
Further Information
Rebecca Davies
Executive Press and Media Relations Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: rebecca.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07384 467071